Planned roadworks in the East of England: weekly summary for Monday 25 July to Sunday 31 July 2016
Planned new and ongoing road improvements over the coming week.
The following information summarises the work being carried out this coming week. It is correct as of the above date but could be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. All our improvement work is carried out with the aim of causing as little disruption as possible.
New work
A12 Witham: bridge repairs
We are working to refurbish Olivers Bridge, where the A12 crosses B1018 Maldon Road, just to the east of Witham. This is to complete essential repairs to the bridge structure and resurface the road across it.
This work will start on Friday 29 July, finishing before November. To keep road users at a safe distance from the works, we will need to close part of each side of the A12 while we are working. We will install a contraflow with narrow lanes, keeping two lanes open on the A12 in both directions. This contraflow will be in place continuously throughout the duration of the work, along with a 40mph speed limit.
In order to install this contraflow and complete some of the work, some overnight closures of the A12 in both directions will be necessary. These will be carried out between 8pm and 6am to minimise disruption to road users. On these nights when the A12 is closed, there will be a clearly signed diversion route in place whereby drivers will take the B1389 through Witham to re-join the A12.
Drivers of abnormal loads (wider than 2.9 metres) will be unable to use the contraflow due to the narrow lanes. When travelling northbound and we are working on the A12 northbound, such drivers will be diverted to:
Take the M25 westbound, then the M11 northbound, A11 north-east, and then A14 eastbound to rejoin the A12.
Similarly, southbound drivers will take this route in reverse when we are working on the A12 southbound. This diversion route for drivers of abnormal loads will be in place for both directions simultaneously during the overnight road closures.
A428 St Neots to Caxton: road repairs
We are working to repair and improve the A428 between St Neots and Caxton in four separate sections. We will be working on weeknights between 8pm and 6am, starting on Monday 25 July, and expect this work to be finished by November.
Stretches of the A428 will be closed while we are working. We will be working between Eltisley (junction with the B1040) and Caxton Gibbet roundabout, from Monday 25 July to Tuesday 16 August. We will also be removing a small number of hazardous trees that are dead and at risk of falling into the carriageway.
When heading westbound, drivers will be diverted to take the A1198 at Caxton Gibbet, at Godmanchester follow the A14 westbound to junction 21, at Brampton Hut take the A1 southbound and follow the A1 southbound to Wyboston roundabout, where the diversion ends.
Drivers heading eastbound will follow this diversion in reverse.
A12 Lowestoft: road surveys
We are surveying the road surface of the A12 between Bascule Bridge and Sparrows Nest. There will be a slow moving mobile lane closure in place in both directions on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 July, with traffic lights being used from Wednesday 27 July until we finish on Monday 1 August, working on weekday nights only.
Ongoing work
Various roads: barrier repairs
We will continue repairs to crash barriers throughout the week, using lane closures to keep road users at a safe distance from the work. The work will take place at various locations working between 8pm and 5am.
Various roads: litter picking and sweeping
We will continue litter picking throughout the week on the A1(M), the M1 and the M11. These will be done using a mobile slow moving hard shoulder or lane closure. We will also be sweeping the hard shoulder of the M11 during the day, and the central reservation at night.
M11: routine maintenance
We will be doing routine maintenance of structures and technology boxes along the M11 during the day. There will be no impact on road users.
M11 and A12: inspections
We are continuing to do inspections throughout the week. There will be lanes closed while we are working overnight.
M11: pothole repair and debris collections
We are continuing to repair potholes and collecting debris overnight throughout the week along the M11. This will be done using a mobile slow moving lane closure.
M11 and A120 Stansted Airport: road repairs
We are repairing embankments on the M11 as part of a wider package of works which included resurfacing on M11 and A120 and putting in new signs, that commenced earlier this year. The package of works should be completed in October. Most of our work will be between 7am and 5pm, with a hard shoulder closure and temporary speed limit in place
This week we are repairing an embankment on the M11 northbound at junction 6 (M25), working during the day to remove the embankment and then reconstruct it by replacing the material. This will make the embankment more secure and reduce the risk of flooding. We expect to complete this in August. The hard shoulder is closed and there is a 50mph limit in place where we are working. We are removing the existing temporary crash barrier overnight on Monday 25 July, with lanes closed while we are working. Once the barrier has been removed we will be resurfacing the hard shoulder and repairing drainage from Tuesday 26 July to Wednesday 3 August, working overnight with lanes closed on the motorway.
We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 7 (Harlow). During the work, the hard shoulder is closed at this location and there are narrow lanes and a 50mph limit.
We are repairing an embankment on the M11 at junction 8 (Stansted). The hard shoulder is closed at junction 8 with a 50mph limit in place while we are working. We expect this work to take around three months to complete.
M11 and A14 Cambridgeshire: improvements
A package of work to carry out resurfacing, safety barrier renewal, bridge repairs, embankment repairs, replacing and installing new signs, repairing damaged kerbs and replacing road markings on the A14 and M11 in Cambridgeshire, has started and will continue until early August. The work is part of Highways England’s commitment to improve safety and ensure better journey experiences across the East region’s busiest roads.
You can stay informed of latest closures and works.
We are currently resurfacing the road surface of the A14 eastbound at junction 31 (Girton). This week’s work will involve the left hand lane will be closed on the A14 eastbound from junction 30 (Oakington) to 31 (Girton) from Monday 25 July to Thursday 28 July, although this may be completed earlier.
M40: visual messaging signs repairs
We are continuing to repair signs along the M40. This work will involve closing lanes and the hard shoulder between 9pm and 5am while we are working.
A1(M): maintenance
We are carrying out maintenance work along the A1(M) between Huntingdon and Peterborough. This includes sweeping, drainage clearing, litter picking, re-painting white lines, vegetation clearance, lighting maintenance and repair works. There will be overnight closures while we are working between 9pm and 6am. A 50mph speed limit remains in place southbound between the Sawtry Toll Flyover and the Alconbury Interchange. We expect to complete this work by Monday 15 August.
This week we are:
Working on the A14(M) southbound from junction 14 (Alconbury) to the A14 (end of motorway). Drivers will be diverted to remain on the A1(M), leave at junction 21 (Brampton Hut) and follow the A14 eastbound to junction 23 (Spittals Interchange), where they can rejoin the A1(M).
Working on the A1(M) southbound from junction 14 (Alconbury) to the end of the A1(M). Drivers will be diverted to take the A14(M) and then the A14, exiting at junction 23 (Spittals Interchange), heading to junction 21 (Brampton Hut) to rejoin the A1 southbound.
Working on the A1(M) southbound at junction 15 (Sawtry) to the end of the A1(M). Drivers will be diverted to take the B1043 adjacent to the A1(M), either joining the A14 southbound there or continuing to Alconbury to join the A1 southbound.
Working on the A14(M) southbound entry and exit slip roads at Rusts Lane, and the A1(M) southbound entry slip road at junction 15 (Sawtry). Drivers will be diverted to take the B1043 southbound to Alconbury, then the A1 to Brampton Hut, exiting onto the A14 and heading eastbound to junction 23 (Spittals Interchange), where they can rejoin the A1(M).
A5 Milton Keynes: barrier replacement
We will soon be replacing the crash barrier in central reservation everywhere it protects bridge piers along the A5 as it passes through Milton Keynes. Currently there are just layby closures in place as we prepare for the main works.
A5-M1 Link (Dunstable Northern Bypass), Bedfordshire: major improvements
We are building a new 2.9-mile, two-lane dual carriageway running from north of Dunstable and joining the M1 at a new junction 11a, south of Chalton. Main construction started in March 2015.
Work on the M1
We have started work on the new M1 junction and bridges. The traffic management, including hard shoulder closures, safety barriers, signs, CCTV and average speed cameras, will stay in place throughout the junction construction work, which will be carried out in phases and should be finished in spring 2017 as the scheme nears completion. There will also be overnight lane closures when required, which will be clearly signed.
Work on the A5 and local roads
On the A5, travelling from the A505, roundabout traffic has been realigned and now runs on the east side of the carriageway on one lane in each direction to allow for embankment work. Overnight three way traffic lights will be on A5/A505 between 8pm and 6pm.
There will be two way, off peak traffic lights occasionally in place for daytime work on the B579 Luton Rd near Vauxhall and into Chalton village.
There will be two way, off peak traffic lights occasionally in place for daytime work on the A5120 between Thorn Road and Tebworth Road.
There will be three way, off peak traffic lights overnight from Monday 25 July to Thursday 28 July on the A5/A505.
Thorn Road will be closed from 6am on Monday 25 July until 6am on Monday 1 August.
The A5 will be closed from Hockliffe to the A505 roundabout from 10pm on Friday 29 July until 6am on Monday 1 August.
There will be lane closures on the M1 northbound and southbound between junctions 10-13 on Monday 25 July and Friday 29 July for gantry inspections.
The diversion for the A5 closure will be via the A505 and A4146, for Thorn Road it will be via the A5120 to Houghton Regis, to the A5 to pick up A505 and A4146.
Cycle improvements schemes in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Bedfordshire
We are building or improving cycle paths at 17 locations across the East of England including on the A12, A120, A47 and A5. The work includes the installation of new and upgraded shared-use foot/cycle ways and toucan crossing facilities. The new or improved paths will make it safer and easier to cycle on or around major A-roads and will improve connections with the local and national cycle network. The project is part of a country-wide initiative which will see Highways England deliver 200 projects over the next five years after the government set up a £100 million dedicated fund for cycling in its Road Investment Strategy.
Ongoing work for this week:
A12 Lowestoft – High Street/Old Nelson
There will be no work taking place this week, but we will need to return at a later date with UK Power Network to complete the signal work and resurface related sections. The existing controlled pedestrian crossing was removed and replaced with a realigned crossing along High Street, including the installation of new signage, surfacing and pavements to its approaches.
A12 Lowestoft Camden Street/High Street
There will be no work taking place this week, but we will need to return at a later date with UK Power Network to complete the signal work and resurface sections. We are currently working with UK Power Network to programme this. The work included the installation of a new toucan crossing and localised widening of the existing eastern and western footways, as well as installation of new kerbs, street lighting and signage.
A12 Lowestoft – Gunton Church Lane/Hollingsworth
Works to the existing eastern and western footpaths on A12 Yarmouth Road between Gunton Church Lane and Hollingsworth Road has been completed as much as possible. We will have to return at a later date with UK Power Network to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. The work included the installation of a new toucan crossing and localised widening of the existing eastern and western footways, operations include full depth construction, installation of new kerbs, street lighting, signage, surfacing and lining to its approaches.
A12 Witham to Marks Tey
Works to the existing northern footpath on the A12 between Witham and Marks Tey and A1304 is nearing completion. The existing northern footpath is being widened and operations include full depth reconstruction and the installation of new kerbs, signage, fencing, resurfacing and lining.
A12 Katwijk Way – St Peters Street
The main work to the existing eastern and western footpaths on Katwijk Way and St Peters Street between St Peters Street roundabout and Clapham Road Central are complete. The work included the upgrade of the existing controlled pedestrian crossing on St Peters Street to a toucan crossing, widening of the southern footway, widening of the footway around the southern end of the roundabout, and installation of a new footpath to the eastern verge on Katwijk Way.
A12 Lowestoft – Jubilee Way
The main work to the existing western and northern arm of the Jubilee Way St Peters Street Roundabout is complete. There will be no work taking place this week, but we will need to return at a later date with UK Power Network to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing. The work included the widening of the existing western footpath and the installation of a new toucan crossing on the northern arm of the roundabout. Operations include full depth construction, installation of new kerbs, paving, street lighting, signage, and resurfacing and road markings to the approaches.
A12 Lowestoft – Station Road/Gunton St/Peters Avenue
There will be no work taking place this week, but we will need to return at a later date with UK Power Network to finish electrical elements and minor resurfacing.
The overall work includes the removal of the existing anti-parking measures along the eastern footpath. Operations include, installation of new kerbs, paving, street lighting, signage, and resurfacing to the footway.
A11: grass cutting
We will be cutting grass on the A11 between Newmarket and Norwich from Monday 25 to Friday 29 July between 8pm and 5pm, using a slow moving mobile lane closure.
A12 Lowestoft: road inspection
We will have lane closures in place overnight while we are completing a thorough inspection of the road surface of the A12 in Lowestoft throughout the week.
A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon major improvements: surveys
We are currently carrying out topographical, drainage, pavement, existing services and street lighting surveys. We expect to complete these in the summer.
These surveys allow us to map the layout and level of the existing road and assets (such as bridges), drainage network and adjacent land, so that we can fully understand the landscape we will be working in and finalise the design of the new road.
Surveys are taking place along the whole of the scheme route. This includes the land where the new Huntingdon southern bypass would be built and the existing A1 and A14 that form part of the scheme. Surveys of the existing route will require lane closures in both directions and, wherever possible, will take place at night only (usually between 8pm and 6am) to minimise any disruption to traffic. No heavy machinery or plant equipment will be used.
We have no planned lane closures on the network for next week.
A14 Ipswich: Orwell Bridge maintenance
We are working beneath Orwell Bridge near Ipswich at either end of the bridge. Some of the work we are doing to maintain the bridge is within the bridge, but there are no restrictions to traffic using the A14 crossing the bridge.
A47 Dogsthorpe: junction improvements (Peterborough City Council)
Peterborough City Council is continuing its junction improvement work at the A47/A15 Dogsthorpe junction, Peterborough. The work will involve some overnight full closure and 24/7 lane closures on the A47. For more information, visit the Peterborough City Council website.
A138 Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, Essex: Chelmer viaduct replacement
The new viaduct structure opened to traffic on Monday 18 April 2016.
Works are now ongoing under the structure to facilitate installation of grass cell and prepare permanent maintenance roads and fencing.
Demolition works started on 23 May on the old structure on both the northern and southern sides working towards the river. This is ongoing and will be completed by mid-July, with up to three more weeks to clear the debris away from site. Demolition will be independent from the new structure and will not impact traffic flows.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.